Ever wondered why some people carry palm fronds and say they are celebrating Palm Sunday? And then some days later on a Friday, they say they’re remembering the death of one who died thousands of years ago?
If you’ve ever wondered, you’re in the right place.
I won’t get into the story of how the world was created, I promise, because the story of Easter itself is mightily interesting.
Simply put, Easter is a reminder and celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is the grand finale of the 40 days fasting period (lent) observed by many Christians.
Still, what’s the fuss about Easter?
WHY IS EASTER IMPORTANT ?
Easter represents the foundation on which the christian faith is built.
The gospel is the truth about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the son of the one and true God.
If you’re like me and many other people, at one time or the other, you’ve been tempted to take “just a little money” that didn’t belong to you, or take one more piece of meat without your mom knowing about it.
We all have that nature to sin because the first man (Adam) sinned. When he did, he could no longer relate with God in the intimate way God desired.
So God sent Jesus Christ, his son, to die and pay the price for the sin of Adam, and by extension, the sin of everyone else including you and me.
You know how big a deal it is when a court judge shows mercy to someone who should be killed and grants their freedom because someone else stepped forward to take their punishment?
Yes.
That’s how BIG a deal it is that Jesus Christ stepped forward to take our punishment and give us true freedom instead.
Easter is our way of recognizing and remembering the grand gesture God made to us. That’s why it is so significant.
Did Jesus die on Easter?
Short answer, no.
Jesus didn’t die on Easter. He died the Friday before which is the Friday we’ve come to know as Good Friday.
Typically, the day we refer to as Easter is Easter Sunday. This is the day that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.
He was resurrected on Easter. All this was to bring to fulfillment the words recorded in the bible. His death and resurrection was something he foretold, something he had prepared his disciples for.
Why is it called Good Friday?
Although how Christ died was painful and difficult, it paved the way for man’s reconciliation with God.
It satisfied the requirements necessary for us to find our way back to God. It liberated all those who are undeserving and unworthy.
That day, God gave us the free and full gift of becoming his sons and daughters. He opened the doors wide so that we could approach him without shame, guilt or fear.
Because of that good and precious gift God gave us through the death of Jesus Christ, that dark Friday is remembered as a good Friday!
Why did Jesus have to die?
Jesus had to die so that you and I can be forgiven of ALL our sins.
Truth is that every sin attracts judgement, and by nature, you and I are sinners. There is nothing we can do, no amount of money we can pay God, no number of fat cows we can kill as peace offerings, absolutely nothing that is enough to pay for our sins.
So, we were all headed for hell because we sin and can’t find a way to make it right with God, our judge.
That’s why God came up with the only solution himself. That solution is that someone who had never sinned would die and carry the sins of every single person in the world. Through his death, God would be able to say the price of our sins have been paid.
Jesus is the only one who met all of God’s criteria. And he willingly gave up his life for us.
Thank God he did! Else, can you imagine being condemned to hell for ever?!
In the words of Pastor Tolu, “Every one of us can walk away innocent, simply because Jesus walked away guilty”.
The only blood fit to pay the debt we owe is the blood of Jesus.
Did anyone see Jesus after resurrection?
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where Jesus was laid on Easter morning (the Sunday after Good Friday) but what she found was the stone rolled away.
The answer to this question is in fact Yes! There are several accounts recorded in the bible on people seeing Jesus after he rose from the dead.
Mark 16:9 tells us that Mary Magdalene saw Jesus after his resurrection and she wasn’t the only one to see him. He appeared to some of his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias.
Other disciples saw Jesus, he appeared in their midst and engaged in conversation with them reassuring them of what is to come. He was with his disciples and those who believed in him 40 days before he went back to heaven.
What is more important - the death or the resurrection of Christ?
Both are important, equally so.
While his death on the cross served as payment for our sins, it is his resurrection that gives us a life beyond the power of death.
It is his resurrection that gives us the hope of eternal life. It’s a two in one deal – atonement and restoration.
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.“
Romans 6:4-5 NLT
Every year when we celebrate Easter, we’re talking a walk down memory lane. We’re reminding ourselves of the beautiful redeemed life we are privileged to enjoy.
Most importantly, we are appreciating God for the price he paid. It’s his sacrifice that gives us life in all of its fullness.
Thank God Easter happened!
Hey, if you’ve read all these but aren’t sure you have a relationship with Jesus, this is the perfect opportunity to start that relationship.
Romans 10:9 assures us that if you confess Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that he’s God’s son, you will be saved.
That’s all. Confess and believe. If you’d like to do that, say the prayer below
…
Heavenly father,
I come to you today because you made a way for me to come through the death and resurrection of your son Jesus Christ.
I believe Jesus died for me and that he rose on the third day.
Today, I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior
I receive your gift of eternal life.
Thank you for the sacrifice of Jesus.
I am yours
In Jesus name
Amen.
Wow! Believe me, congratulations are in order right now if you prayed that prayer! Angels are rejoicing because of your decision.
At Sycamore Church, we love to encourage and support people on their walk with Jesus and we’d love to do the same for you. Simply fill this short form and we will reach out to you asap.
Once again, congratulations! Welcome to family!
…
Oluwadamilola Odunfa
Damilola volunteers with the Content Team at Sycamore Church.
(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)
3 Comments
A.S
Timeless truths !
Thank you for this Damilola.
Faith Ojomo
Wonderful piece! This is exactly what we need to know about Easter. No greater love.
Deborah Alonge
This is incredible. Thank you for opening my eyes more.